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Seasons in a Small Town #1
What Are Friends For?
Seasons in a Small Town – Spring
In rural Drago, Illinois, Zeke came by his “the Geek” nickname honest, more comfortable in the world of algebra and algorithms than high school’s social hallways. Though that didn’t keep him from longing for the unattainable prom queen, Jennifer.
The one person who did understand his out-of-the-box brain was Darcie, his best friend.
After their high school graduation, Zeke and Darcie for one night jolted from friends to lovers. And then he left town, and she knew he couldn’t look back. What he didn’t know was the depth of Darcie’s feelings for him.
Now it’s 17 years later, and Zeke’s a self-made billionaire founder of a tech security firm, Darcie’s a local cop and Jennifer’s a divorced mom of a tween girl. And their little town is flagging.
At Darcie’s urging, Zeke returns to Drago to boost its economy. Will his new wealth attract the still-beautiful Jennifer? Or will Darcie, the one girl who always made him feel at ease, show him that true love knows no boundaries?
* * * * * * * *
What Are Friends For?, Book 1 of USA Today bestselling author Patricia McLinn's Seasons in a Small Town series, is a moving, passionate contemporary romance that will captivate fans of Bella Andre, Roxanne St. Clair and Jill Shalvis.
In rural Drago, Illinois, Zeke came by his “the Geek” nickname honest, more comfortable in the world of algebra and algorithms than high school’s social hallways. Though that didn’t keep him from longing for the unattainable prom queen, Jennifer.
The one person who did understand his out-of-the-box brain was Darcie, his best friend.
After their high school graduation, Zeke and Darcie for one night jolted from friends to lovers. And then he left town, and she knew he couldn’t look back. What he didn’t know was the depth of Darcie’s feelings for him.
Now it’s 17 years later, and Zeke’s a self-made billionaire founder of a tech security firm, Darcie’s a local cop and Jennifer’s a divorced mom of a tween girl. And their little town is flagging.
At Darcie’s urging, Zeke returns to Drago to boost its economy. Will his new wealth attract the still-beautiful Jennifer? Or will Darcie, the one girl who always made him feel at ease, show him that true love knows no boundaries?
* * * * * * * *
What Are Friends For?, Book 1 of USA Today bestselling author Patricia McLinn's Seasons in a Small Town series, is a moving, passionate contemporary romance that will captivate fans of Bella Andre, Roxanne St. Clair and Jill Shalvis.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2006
1180 people are currently reading
555 people want to read
About the author
Patricia McLinn
128 books314 followersUSA Today bestselling author Patricia McLinn’s novels—cited by reviewers for warmth, wit and vivid characterization – have won numerous regional and national awards and been on national bestseller lists.
In addition to her romance and women’s fiction books, Patricia is the author of the Caught Dead in Wyoming mystery series, which adds a touch of humor and romance to figuring out whodunit.
Patricia received BA and MSJ degrees from Northwestern University. She was a sports writer (Rockford, Ill.), assistant sports editor (Charlotte, N.C.) and—for 20-plus years—an editor at the Washington Post.
She has spoken about writing from Melbourne, Australia to Washington, D.C., including being a guest-speaker at the Smithsonian Institution. She is now living in Northern Kentucky, and writing full-time. Patricia loves to hear from readers through her website, Facebook, Goodreads, and Twitter.
In addition to her romance and women’s fiction books, Patricia is the author of the Caught Dead in Wyoming mystery series, which adds a touch of humor and romance to figuring out whodunit.
Patricia received BA and MSJ degrees from Northwestern University. She was a sports writer (Rockford, Ill.), assistant sports editor (Charlotte, N.C.) and—for 20-plus years—an editor at the Washington Post.
She has spoken about writing from Melbourne, Australia to Washington, D.C., including being a guest-speaker at the Smithsonian Institution. She is now living in Northern Kentucky, and writing full-time. Patricia loves to hear from readers through her website, Facebook, Goodreads, and Twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
October 17, 2022
I liked the geeky-sorta-vulnerable Zeke and the loyal and capable Darcie and I LOVED them together. I loved the connection they had, both past and present, and how Darcie just knew what Zeke was thinking. They didn’t play games or dance around each other, their emotional journeys were spot-on, and the intimate scenes weren’t too overdone (I melted a little bit every time Zeke used the term “make love”). They each helped the other see how they’d let things in their past limit them as people and as a couple. The townsfolk added a nice dimension, as well, not cliché like you find in some small-town romances. And I love it when the HEA sees the man making a change for the woman (go Zeke)! 5 STARS.
January 14, 2019
An enjoyable read, I liked how everything between Darcie and Zeke was a slow build. Darcie has had a crush on Zeke since high school so she is mortified when she runs into him again several years later. Zeke has been forced to go back home to become a judge during the town's Lilac Festival. He doesn't have any good memories of his hometown but is looking forward to seeing his high school crush Jennifer again. Darcie knows that Zeke has always had a thing for Jennifer but doesn't try to let it bother her. She starts to experience feelings for Zeke but tries to ignore them. Zeke believes he finally has a chance to get to know Jennifer better but things don't turn out the way he planned. Meanwhile Darcie and Jennifer try to come up with a way for Zeke and his company to try to save their town from becoming a ghost town. Zeke refuses because he always felt like an outsider. It's not until someone tries to hack into his computer to steal his company's software that he begins to rethink what he really wants out of life. Lots of misunderstandings almost derails what everyone has been trying to gain for a better way of life for the small town. I'm looking forward to reading the other books in this series
January 22, 2019
I read this for the 2019 Popsugar Challenge category of "A book with a question in the title". It's not fine literature, but it's a fun story with a feel-good ending. In this one a local boy made good (geek) is invited back by his high school class members to be the main judge and guest of honor for the annual crowning of the queen. They, of course, have the ulterior motive of wanting him to invest in his old hometown, and he is only there to make his mom happy. I enjoyed the interactions particularly between the success story, and the local cop with whom he had a one-night stand before leaving for college, and her friend upon whom he had a crush in high school. The story develops naturally and with a happy ending. What more could you want?
February 3, 2019
What Are Friends For?
This was a sweet coming back home story. From rags to riches and second chances. Here Zeke had left his home town and never looked back in seventeen years. But he hadn't totally forgot about the one person that he left behind. Darcie had ended being a local cop that everyone looked up to. She was the opposite of him in understanding people. He is back only because he was hoodwinked into being the town's Grand Marshal at the local parade. While there things are not what he expects. Memories are different than what he expects. And the one friend who he missed is now working for the police department. What happens when the past meets up with the present? Will he leave or will he man up and get the woman in the end?
This was a sweet coming back home story. From rags to riches and second chances. Here Zeke had left his home town and never looked back in seventeen years. But he hadn't totally forgot about the one person that he left behind. Darcie had ended being a local cop that everyone looked up to. She was the opposite of him in understanding people. He is back only because he was hoodwinked into being the town's Grand Marshal at the local parade. While there things are not what he expects. Memories are different than what he expects. And the one friend who he missed is now working for the police department. What happens when the past meets up with the present? Will he leave or will he man up and get the woman in the end?
May 16, 2025
This friends to lovers, small town contemporary book centres around Drago, where Anton Zeekowsky (aka Zeke), nerd extraordinaire and tech CEO grew up and was friends with Darcie, a police officer, and the friend who stayed behind.
They were school friends and for one night, lovers too but they parted ways straight after their high school graduation when Zeke leaves for college. Darcie is desperate to resurrect their small town and hopes to get Zeke back into their community and then hopefully they can persuade Zeke-Tech (Zeke's company) to donate money.
This book revolved around the Lilac Queen crowning and the townspeople who make up the Drago population. It also explored deeply into the main protagonists's motives and fears, the characters were well developed. Most parts of the storyline was interesting and had some humour but there was also angst, uncertainty and lots emotional baggage to get through before the main characters could have their HEA.
The latter half of the book was definitely better than the first half as reading about the Lilac Queen contestants was a bit tedious, the second half redeemed the book for me. There was also a lot of repetition about why Zeke left Drago in the first place.
Darcie was a lovely lady but lacked self conviction and often put other's perceived needs and happiness before her own. Zeke had a lot of emotional baggage to work through and was awful at verbalising his feelings.
There is very little swearing and there are one or two mild sexual scenes. I rate this book 4.25*.
They were school friends and for one night, lovers too but they parted ways straight after their high school graduation when Zeke leaves for college. Darcie is desperate to resurrect their small town and hopes to get Zeke back into their community and then hopefully they can persuade Zeke-Tech (Zeke's company) to donate money.
This book revolved around the Lilac Queen crowning and the townspeople who make up the Drago population. It also explored deeply into the main protagonists's motives and fears, the characters were well developed. Most parts of the storyline was interesting and had some humour but there was also angst, uncertainty and lots emotional baggage to get through before the main characters could have their HEA.
The latter half of the book was definitely better than the first half as reading about the Lilac Queen contestants was a bit tedious, the second half redeemed the book for me. There was also a lot of repetition about why Zeke left Drago in the first place.
Darcie was a lovely lady but lacked self conviction and often put other's perceived needs and happiness before her own. Zeke had a lot of emotional baggage to work through and was awful at verbalising his feelings.
There is very little swearing and there are one or two mild sexual scenes. I rate this book 4.25*.
March 29, 2021
First book in a new series Seasons in a Small Town. Teenage friends Darcie and Zeke have a connection as good friends; and hookup on Graduation day evening. Zeke leaves town the next day while Darcie goes to college in the hopes of becoming an FBI agent. Fast forward to Darcie as a cop back home in Drago pulling over a car that might contain a kidnapped child only to discover her childhood friend Zeke. She aims her fun at him instructing him to get out of the vehicle, lay face down on the ground with hands locked behind his head. She moves toward him, cuffs in hand and snaps them on. Only then when she gets him on his feet does he recognize her. Over the radio comes the call that the child has been found in another vehicle, suspect apprehended and is now safe. As it turns out, Zeke has been invited to Drago to be the Grand Marshall of the annual celebration of the three week lilac Queen competition and coronation parade. He owns a big deal computer company. Small town boy makes it big and is now a billionaire. The townspeople are hoping he will agree to help them out financially as the economic downturn has hit them hard. Darcie and the Lilac Queen from 17 years ago are spearheading the movement to entice Zeke into making a substantial lift to the town coffers. Zeke left Drago with no intention of ever coming back. Good story with interesting characters.
December 15, 2023
An interesting book which once again shows that yes, you can go home again. Self-proclaimed nerd, now a multi-millionaire tech genius Zeke is invited to his hometown to participate in yearly Lilac Festival and asked to,participate in all areas, including judging the Lilac Queen Pageant. Zeke is definitely not a people person and hates being asked to do all these public things.
In the middle of all things is Darcie, his first love who never left Drago and is now a respected officer of the local police force. While there were ulterior motives in asking Zeke to come to Drago, ones that would require him to part with some of his money and help his hometown. It is Darcie who leads him down a reflective journey into his past and his family, opening his eyes to things he never truly saw as an introverted young man whose only desire was to escape his hometown forever.
This was an enjoyable book through which the reader does see how close knit a small town can be but also one which allows a reader to possibly reflect on their own life journey.
In the middle of all things is Darcie, his first love who never left Drago and is now a respected officer of the local police force. While there were ulterior motives in asking Zeke to come to Drago, ones that would require him to part with some of his money and help his hometown. It is Darcie who leads him down a reflective journey into his past and his family, opening his eyes to things he never truly saw as an introverted young man whose only desire was to escape his hometown forever.
This was an enjoyable book through which the reader does see how close knit a small town can be but also one which allows a reader to possibly reflect on their own life journey.
February 4, 2022
Can you "go back home"? Against his will Zeke is lured back to his hometown, one he left the day after graduation, after which he went on to become a huge success as an entrepreneur. Having been a "geek", in school, he has a lot of issues and negative memories associated with the town, and its treatment of his dad and of him, as he perceived it. At the same time, he has some very positive feelings about 2 of the women in his class. Both of them are scheming to get him to use some of his philanthropy to provide assistance to get the town back on its feet. All of this swirls around the beauty pageant for which he has come back to be the figurehead.
While I could completely identify with the way Zeke felt about his HS relationships, I chose a different path than he, afterwards.
While I could completely identify with the way Zeke felt about his HS relationships, I chose a different path than he, afterwards.
December 4, 2019
I really liked this book. This is about a small town nerd, Zeke, whos best friend Darcie, is about the only one in the school who understands his out of the box thinking. Zeke has the hots for the prom queen, much to Darcie's dismay. They both leave town and go to college. Zeke becomes a self made billionaire and Darcie becomes a cop and gets a job back in her home town . The town is dying and Darcie tries to get Zeke to come back home and see how bad it is and maybe help out. Not as easy as it sounds. It had its suspense and of course some passion but the interplay between Darcie and Zeke and the hometown prom queen is quite interesting to say the least. Recommend.
April 23, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this book. I do feel this book premise if chosen to be written not as a romance novel would of been more interesting.
The writer really had such a amazing storyline that had depth. I feel this book could of been more then just a romance novel.
I do think if the story concentrated on the interaction with Zeke and Darcie childhood more this book could of been more acclaimed Especially in this climate of immigrants and how they settle into a world so different from their own.
Anyway, it was a wonderful read love how the author wrote this book. Definitely a new fan of hers.
The writer really had such a amazing storyline that had depth. I feel this book could of been more then just a romance novel.
I do think if the story concentrated on the interaction with Zeke and Darcie childhood more this book could of been more acclaimed Especially in this climate of immigrants and how they settle into a world so different from their own.
Anyway, it was a wonderful read love how the author wrote this book. Definitely a new fan of hers.
August 25, 2018
How important is love of your town
Romance between 2 people who can’t convey emotion or believe that anyone would choose them or someone else. This is a well written book with likable characters. I was disappointed with the actions of those facing choices. For the most part, they were obvious and rather rigid. When the primary characters change direction the reasons are not explained or the feelings demonstrated.
Romance between 2 people who can’t convey emotion or believe that anyone would choose them or someone else. This is a well written book with likable characters. I was disappointed with the actions of those facing choices. For the most part, they were obvious and rather rigid. When the primary characters change direction the reasons are not explained or the feelings demonstrated.
March 29, 2021
The more I read of this novel, the more I settled into it and was charmed by the two main characters. Pride of place factored into this small town story. It is at times light hearted in tone, while still revealing characters who seem REAL enough to have idiosyncrasies and traits that evoke the reader's attachment to them. It was fun to discover this is the first of a series. I recommend this as a pleasant distraction from real life cares.
May 1, 2023
not my first read from PM, i am pretty sure this is like 3 or 2nd?? gotta check. i love finding new authors and if you need a few ...check Bookbub for that very reason. i have found so many. i think maybe this one, not totally sure. totally springy book cover. love it!! i read a kindle copy ...found it for free thanks to Bookbub one day ...got around to when i was traveling to read it. love reading ...really love reading while traveling ...so awesome. brain quiet and and take it all in.
September 27, 2023
adore this!
Absolutely adored this book. Such a sweet and happy book lightly touching on some harder issues. The MMC Zeke comes across as on the spectrum but nothing is explicitly said in the book. I think in a way it made the story better, cause it didn’t become a focus.
I love relationships where they bring out the good qualities of one another, and allow themselves to truly come out of their shell.
Absolutely adored this book. Such a sweet and happy book lightly touching on some harder issues. The MMC Zeke comes across as on the spectrum but nothing is explicitly said in the book. I think in a way it made the story better, cause it didn’t become a focus.
I love relationships where they bring out the good qualities of one another, and allow themselves to truly come out of their shell.
August 19, 2021
Enjoyable
A refreshing romance between two people who grew up in the same town but went their separate ways only to unite years later to build on their mutual attraction. Kept my attention.
Ms McLinn varies her writing style to reflect the time and place she’s representing. I can stepping into the story and relate to the characters. I enjoy her work!
A refreshing romance between two people who grew up in the same town but went their separate ways only to unite years later to build on their mutual attraction. Kept my attention.
Ms McLinn varies her writing style to reflect the time and place she’s representing. I can stepping into the story and relate to the characters. I enjoy her work!
April 26, 2025
Hometown boy
Zeke , Darcie and Jenifer graduated together. Darcie lost both her virginity and heart to Zeke. Zeke left town and has never looked back. Now Darcie and Jenifer get him back in town with ulterior motives. Zeke has made it big in the tech industry.
I found this book really dragged. The characters not believable.
Zeke , Darcie and Jenifer graduated together. Darcie lost both her virginity and heart to Zeke. Zeke left town and has never looked back. Now Darcie and Jenifer get him back in town with ulterior motives. Zeke has made it big in the tech industry.
I found this book really dragged. The characters not believable.
May 6, 2017
Fun Read
Good story with enough questions waiting to be answered to keep me focused on reading one more chapter. Anxious to read second in series because of affection for main character in it.
Good story with enough questions waiting to be answered to keep me focused on reading one more chapter. Anxious to read second in series because of affection for main character in it.
January 12, 2019
Amazing
I laughed until there were tears in my eyes,but then I laughed some more.A really great romance.There's so many twists and turns.I'll be looking forward to reading more from this author.
I laughed until there were tears in my eyes,but then I laughed some more.A really great romance.There's so many twists and turns.I'll be looking forward to reading more from this author.
April 10, 2021
More than friends
Sometimes we all overlook what is right under our nose. The two main characters in the story took forever to realize what everyone else saw. The plot was entertaining.
Sometimes we all overlook what is right under our nose. The two main characters in the story took forever to realize what everyone else saw. The plot was entertaining.
April 21, 2021
Darn it, Patricia! You’ve written another series I can’t live without!
This is a delightful and truly romantic love story. I absolutely loved Zeke, Darcie, Jennifer, and all their families and friends. Lovely romance but rated R.
This is a delightful and truly romantic love story. I absolutely loved Zeke, Darcie, Jennifer, and all their families and friends. Lovely romance but rated R.
April 23, 2021
So romantic
I really liked this take on childhood crushes. It was a bit different and sweet. Though Darcie tended to talk over him quite a bit, which was frustrating. But overall a romantic story.
I really liked this take on childhood crushes. It was a bit different and sweet. Though Darcie tended to talk over him quite a bit, which was frustrating. But overall a romantic story.
January 15, 2022
This story is funny, exasperating, sad, and happy all at once. I wanted to kick Zeke since he was so self-absorbed, but Darcie carried the show. Her insight into settings and people bordered on hilarious.
May 8, 2022
Chemistry wins out!
I really loved this book. When love doesn't work out the first time around them may be a second chance might bring happiness. Even bright people seem dim when struggling to find their Happily ever after. Enjoy!
I really loved this book. When love doesn't work out the first time around them may be a second chance might bring happiness. Even bright people seem dim when struggling to find their Happily ever after. Enjoy!
December 23, 2024
Light read, a bit repetitive with some of the storylines. I like the characters and the back stories that they used to reflect who they have become and where they are at the stages of their lives. Multigenerational characters which is good.
January 6, 2025
best read
This story line is to die for it's a page Turner. Talk about high school struggle mixed in with not knowing the whole parents story. Misunderstood friends. You got to read Zeek story.
This story line is to die for it's a page Turner. Talk about high school struggle mixed in with not knowing the whole parents story. Misunderstood friends. You got to read Zeek story.
June 25, 2025
Just no. Expect a person who hasn’t been back to town in 17 yrs to bail the town out because he’s made something of himself. Of course he finds out he needs the city and plans to move a division there and the city is saved. So many eye rolling moments.
January 14, 2019
An enjoyable read
The book was well written and the characters were entertaining and life like. The dialogue was interesting and the book hard to put down.
The book was well written and the characters were entertaining and life like. The dialogue was interesting and the book hard to put down.
February 23, 2019
Great book!
I have read all of the author's Caught Dead series, so far. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series. Thank you!
I have read all of the author's Caught Dead series, so far. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series. Thank you!
March 28, 2021
Enjoyable read, but not in the league of the Caught Dead in Wyoming series.
March 28, 2021
She did it again
I love Patricia McLinn's books. Everything about them .Plots,characters,settings.... Always good. It is like sitting down with old friend tochat.
I love Patricia McLinn's books. Everything about them .Plots,characters,settings.... Always good. It is like sitting down with old friend tochat.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews